China has rejected Israeli calls for sanctions against Iran
following an unexpectedly long?meeting between Chinese Premier
Wen Jiabao and visiting Israeli Deputy Prime
Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Livni.
It is reported that in the meeting Livni expressed the hope that
China would support imposing new sanctions on Iran. Foreign
Ministry spokesperson Liu Jianchao said at a regular press
conference Tuesday afternoon that China does not support the use of
sanctions as a general tool?for handling international
relations.
China believes the best choice is to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue peacefully and through
diplomatic talks. It is in the common interest of the international
community, Liu said.
Liu said at present relevant parties, including Iran, are
seeking resolution through dialogues. At this moment, the use of
such measures as sanctions should be avoided so as not to make the
situation more complicated.
Livni arrived in Beijing Sunday for a three-day official visit
at the invitation of Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.
Canada admonished ?for?Dalai
Lama's visit
In response to a public meeting involving Canadian Prime
Minister Stephen Harper, Governor-General Michaelle Jean, and the
Dalai Lama, Canada was asked to stop supporting and shielding
Tibetan secessionists' activities to prevent further damage to
bilateral relations.
Canada's actions are "seriously detrimental to China-Canada
relations," Liu said when asked about the impact of Monday's
meeting on bilateral ties.?"The Canadian side violated the
basic international norm and blatantly interfered in China's
internal affairs," he added.
"The words and deeds of the Dalai Lama during the past decades
show he is a political exile who engages in secessionist activities
and undermines the unity of ethnic groups in the name of religion,"
he explained.
"China has been opposing countries and individuals using the
Dalai Lama issue to interfere in China's internal affairs," he
said, adding that?China expresses "dissatisfaction and
resolute opposition" to Canada's actions.
The Chinese embassy in Canada sent a letter to that country's
government on Monday, hoping that Canada would take "concrete steps
to safeguard China-Canada relations."
China defends its position on Darfur
Responding to British legislators' criticism of China for its
role in the Darfur issue, Liu said their actions?were
"irresponsible."
Some UK lawmakers delivered a letter to the Chinese embassy in
London on Monday, criticizing China's role in Darfur, and hinting
at a boycott of the 2008 Beijing Olympics because as a result.
"To criticize China on the Darfur issue is an irresponsible
act," Liu said. "China has been playing a constructive role in
Darfur. It's there for all to see."
He reiterated China's support for the UN road map for a
political solution to the problem and urged the Darfur rebels to
participate in the peace talks.
"We regret that the legislators of some countries turn a blind
eye to what China has done and is still doing in Darfur."
?
Japan criticized for Diaoyu Islands
incident
Liu criticized Japan after the Japanese Coast Guard fired water
canons at a boat carrying Chinese nationals off the coast of the
Diaoyu Islands, saying it violated international law.
The Chinese citizens were protesting the so-called "actual
control" and "enforcement right" of the islands by the Japanese.
"The Diaoyu Islands and the nearby islets have been an integral
part of China since ancient times and China has irrefutable
sovereignty over them," Liu said.
The ministry has repeatedly offered incontestable historical and
legal evidence backing Chinese ownership of the islands, and
explained that Chinese citizens have a legitimate right to express
such sovereignty.
Jordanian king visits Beijing
China hopes the Jordanian king's current visit to China would
help further promote bilateral political trust and economic
cooperation, Liu said.
Jordanian King Abdullah II Bin Al-Hussein arrived in Beijing on
Monday, starting a four-day state visit as guest of President Hu Jintao.
"I believe leaders from both China and Jordan will exchange
views on the Middle East peace process," Liu said.
China is willing to strengthen contact with relevant countries
in an effort to push forward the Middle East peace process and
China will continue to play a constructive role in this regard, Liu
said.
Vice Premier to head for Kazakhstan
Vice Premier Wu Yi will head for Astana, Kazakhstan on
November 7 to attend the fourth meeting of the China-Kazakhstan
Cooperation Committee at the invitation of Kazak Deputy Prime
Minister Umirzak Shukeev, who is to co-chair the upcoming meeting
with Wu, Liu announced.
(Xinhua News Agency, China Daily October 31,
2007)
